Essential Oils and Carrier Oils: The Ultimate Guide for Skincare
Renee Trepagnier
If you've ever stood in a natural beauty aisle trying to pick the right combination of essential oils and carrier oils, you know how quickly the options become overwhelming. In the array of possible combinations of these plant-based oils, there are many potent remedies. But using the wrong ones, or using them incorrectly, can do more harm than good.
In this article, I explain the benefits of key essential oils and carrier oils, how to choose the right ones for your skin type, and which products we love best for your face, eyes, lips, hair, and body.
Understanding the Difference Between Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
Essential oils and carrier oils are collectively considered botanical oils, which are lipids or fats derived from plants. However, their origins, concentrations, and functions are very different. To clarify, we categorize them into two groups: fatty oils, commonly known as carrier oils, and essential oils. Confusing one for the other can lead to serious consequences for your skin. The primary difference between essential oils and carrier oils lies in their composition and use:
Quick Guide: Essential vs Carrier
Botanical oils, or plant-based oils, fall into two categories:
Essential Oils: Aromatic, highly potent extracts from leaves, flowers, or roots. They are volatile, evaporate quickly, and must be diluted before using on skin.
Carrier Oils: Stable fatty oils pressed from nuts, seeds, or kernels. They are gentle, non-concentrated, and function as a moisturizing base.
In short, when used in your skincare routine, carrier oils are your base, and essential oils are your boost. You need the carrier oil to safely deliver the essential oil. Mixing specific essential oils with carrier oils provides myriad skincare benefits for all skin types [1].
🎁 Shop the product picks featured in this guide:
- Face (for mature skin): MILO Everything Oil
- Face (for irritated skin): Blue Tansy & Apricot Oil
- Eyes: Under Eye Elixir
- Lips: Lemongrass Mint Organic Lip Balm
- Hair: Rosehip Oil for Hair & Skin
- Body: Restorative Body Oil
A Guide to Carrier Oils for Skincare
Forget the water-based, one-size-fits-all moisturizers. Carrier oils for skincare are the way to go if you want clean, natural, and effective hydration. The right carrier oil not only moisturizes but can also balance, soothe, or rejuvenate your skin, depending on your needs [2].
Lightweight & Fast-Absorbing Carrier Oils
Ideal for daytime use and under makeup, these carrier oils are thin, dry oils that sink in quickly with a non-greasy feel.
Apricot Kernel Oil
A light oil pressed from apricot kernels that is rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E. It is easily absorbed and helps soften skin without clogging pores, making it a great moisturizer for sensitive skin and the delicate eye area.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Go for anti-inflammatory, calming, or healing oils such as Roman Chamomile, lavender, or Blue Tansy
Camellia Seed Oil
Pressed from the seeds of the Camellia oleifera plant, this lightweight oil is high in oleic acid and antioxidants. It provides moisture and creates a protective barrier against environmental damage.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Focus on skin repair, balance, and protection provided by lavender, frankincense, or geranium
Grape Seed Oil
A light, thin oil extracted from grape seeds that is high in linoleic acid. It tightens pores and regulates sebum production in oily skin, leaving a matte, non-greasy finish.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Choose oils that are targeted for oily and acne-prone skin, such as tea tree, pink grapefruit, or clary sage
Jojoba Seed Oil
A liquid wax ester extracted from jojoba seeds, its structure is similar to human sebum. It balances oil production and effectively cleanses pore-clogging impurities.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Pairs well with anything! Choose essential oils that target your skin concerns - Blue Tansy for inflammation, geranium to balance oil production, sandalwood to soothe and tone
Passion Fruit Seed Oil
Also called maracuja oil, this is extracted from passion fruit seeds and is high in linoleic acid. It restores moisture, smooths skin texture, and protects against premature aging.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Boost with cell-regenerating essential oils such as frankincense, Rose Otto, and carrot seed
Safflower Seed Oil
Derived from safflower seeds, the high-linoleic version is light and rich in vitamin E. It provides lightweight, non-pore-clogging hydration that strengthens the skin's barrier.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Works best with essential oils focused on calming and soothing like Roman Chamomile, lavender, and orange peel
Medium-Weight & Nourishing Carrier Oils
These carrier oils have a more substantial texture that absorbs well and offers a noticeable layer of nourishment.
Argan Kernel Oil
Sourced from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco, this oil is high in vitamin E and antioxidants. It reduces skin dryness and improves elasticity, often used to diminish the appearance of fine lines.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Pair it with firming and regenerative oils like sandalwood, frankincense, or Rose Absolute to amplify its elasticity-restoring benefits.
Evening Primrose Oil
Pressed from evening primrose seeds, this oil contains a high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA provides a direct source of anti-inflammatory fat to the skin. It directly addresses skin inflammation, helping to calm redness and symptoms of hormonal acne and eczema.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Works well with essential oils that target hormonal skin conditions and redness, like coriander seed, Roman Chamomile, or geranium
Moringa Seed Oil
Cold-pressed from Moringa oleifera seeds, this stable oil is high in oleic acid and antioxidants. It purifies the skin by removing pollution and other impurities from pores.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Choose essential oils that support skin detoxification and renewal, like frankincense, sandalwood, or carrot seed
Rosehip Seed Oil
Pressed from rose bush seeds, this oil is rich in essential fatty acids and trans-retinoic acid. It fades hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines while promoting skin cell regeneration.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Amplify the benefits with essential oils that accelerate skin renewal and target uneven tone, like carrot seed, frankincense, or Rose Otto
Sacha Inchi Seed Oil
Extracted from sacha inchi seeds, this oil is exceptionally high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It deeply nourishes and calms inflamed skin while repairing damaged barriers.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Pair with essential oils that target irritation, like geranium, coriander seed, or Blue Tansy
Sunflower Seed Oil
A common oil pressed from sunflower seeds that is rich in vitamin E. It strengthens the skin's natural barrier, helping it retain moisture and protect against environmental irritants.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: This gentle foundation works best with essential oils that calm and protect, like lavender, Roman Chamomile, or geranium
Rich & Protective Carrier Oils
For overnight treatments or very dry areas, these thicker, more viscous carrier oils absorb slowly and create a strong occlusive barrier.
Avocado Oil
A thick, rich oil extracted from avocado fruit that is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamins. It penetrates deeply to relieve extremely dry, cracked skin and helps bolster the skin's natural protective barrier.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Go with essential oils that soothe, repair, and firm at a deeper level, like sandalwood, Atlas Cedarwood, or frankincense
Baobab Oil
Derived from the seeds of the African baobab tree, this oil is rich in vitamins and omega fatty acids. It improves skin elasticity and softens the appearance of scars and stretch marks while providing long-lasting moisture.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Amplify the benefits with essential oils that target skin regeneration and circulation, like frankincense, Juniper Fruit, or Rose Otto
Castor Seed Oil
A thick, viscous oil obtained from castor beans that is high in ricinoleic acid. A multi-purpose powerhouse, it promotes thick, healthy hair and lash growth and effectively locks in moisture when used on skin and lips.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Add antimicrobial benefits with essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, or orange peel
Olive Fruit Oil
A well-known oil obtained from olives that is rich in squalene and antioxidants. It provides strong antioxidant protection and effective moisturization for dehydrated skin.
💞 Recommended essential oils for this carrier oil: Add regenerative and calming benefits with essential oils like Rose Otto, frankincense, or lavender
Top Essential Oils for Targeted Skin Solutions
Essential oils are often associated with aromatherapy. But these concentrated plant essences can also provide important benefits in your skincare routine [3].
Potent Anti-Inflammatory Essential Oils
These oils work by calming the skin's inflammatory response to soothe conditions like redness, eczema, and irritation.
Blue Tansy Essential Oil
Steam-distilled from the Moroccan chamomile flower, this essential oil is a deep blue color. It calms severe redness, allergic reactions, and inflamed acne due to its potent anti-inflammatory compounds.
Coriander Seed Essential Oil
Distilled from coriander seeds, this oil has a warm, spicy scent. It soothes skin discomfort and has a high content of linalool, a compound known for its significant calming and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
Lavender Essential Oil
Steam-distilled from lavender flowers, this oil has a floral, herbaceous scent. It accelerates the healing of minor burns and blemishes while calming general skin irritation.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Steam-distilled from Roman chamomile flowers, this oil has a sweet, apple-like fragrance. It is one of the gentlest essential oils, specifically used to calm eczema, rosacea, and reactive sensitive skin.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Distilled from sandalwood heartwood, this oil has a rich, warm, woody scent. It soothes dry, irritated skin and reduces the appearance of redness while providing mild tightening.
Antimicrobial & Antiseptic Essential Oils
These oils help cleanse the skin by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other microbes that can lead to acne and congestion.
Atlas Cedarwood Wood Oil
Distilled from the wood of the Atlas cedar tree, this oil has a warm, woody scent. It reduces excess oil production and helps clear acne by acting as an astringent and antiseptic.
Juniper Fruit Essential Oil
Distilled from juniper berries, this oil has a fresh, woody-pine scent. It detoxifies the skin by clearing congested pores and reducing water retention and puffiness.
Lemon Essential Oil
Cold-pressed from lemon peel, this oil has a sharp, fresh citrus scent. It acts as a natural exfoliant to brighten complexion and fade dark spots.
Orange Peel Essential Oil
Cold-pressed from orange peel, this oil has a sweet, citrus aroma. It brightens skin and helps clear congestion.
Tea Tree Oil
Steam-distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, this oil has a sharp, medicinal scent. It directly targets and kills acne-causing bacteria while helping to dry out active blemishes.
Astringent & Sebum Regulating Essential Oils
Astringent oils slightly tighten the skin, while sebum-regulating oils help balance and control sebum production, reducing shine and the appearance of pores.
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Derived from the clary sage plant, this oil has a sweet, herbaceous aroma. It regulates sebum production, reduces pore size, and has calming properties.
Geranium Essential Oil
Steam-distilled from the geranium plant, this oil has a floral, rose-like scent. It balances oil production across combination skin, hydrating dry patches while mattifying oily zones.
Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil
Cold-pressed from pink grapefruit rind, this oil has a fresh, tart citrus scent. It tightens pores as an astringent and provides uplifting aromatherapy benefits.
Tangerine Leaf Essential Oil
Distilled from tangerine leaves and twigs, this oil has a fresh, floral-citrus scent. It provides a gentle toning effect for sensitive skin without the phototoxicity of citrus peel oils.
Cell Regenerative & Antioxidant Essential Oils
These oils promote skin renewal and protect against environmental damage by supporting collagen production and neutralizing free radicals.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Distilled from the dried seeds of the wild carrot plant, this oil is rich in antioxidants. It stimulates skin cell regeneration to improve tone and elasticity.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Distilled from the resin of the Boswellia tree, this oil has a warm, balsamic aroma. It tightens skin, reduces the appearance of large pores, and smooths fine lines.
Rose Absolute
Extracted using solvents from rose flowers, this absolute has a deep, rich rose scent. It provides deep hydration and has a mild anti-inflammatory effect that soothes redness.
Rose Otto Flower Essential Oil
Steam-distilled from rose petals, this oil has a true floral rose scent. It tightens the skin, provides mild hydration, and supports skin regeneration to improve texture.
Safety and Best Practices for Mixing Your Own Essential Oils with Carrier Oils
Working with essential oils and carrier oils demands respect for their potency and properties. To enjoy the benefits without harmful side-effects, follow these non-negotiable rules for handling essential oils and carrier oils.
- Dilution is Mandatory: In any regimen involving essential oils and your skin, remember that they are potent. Proper essential oil dilution with carrier oils is critical. A general rule for facial use is a 1–2% dilution—about 6 to 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
- Patch Test Everything: Before applying any new combination of essential oils and carrier oils to your face, test it on your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for reactions.
- Quality Matters: Source your oils from reputable suppliers. Purity affects both performance and safety in your skincare routine.
- Sun Sensitivity: Be aware that some essential oils (especially citrus oils) are phototoxic and can cause severe burns if used before sun exposure, even when properly diluted with carrier oils.
Our Top Product Picks for Every Part of Your Routine
If you are looking for the benefits of carrier oils and essential oils for your skincare routine, but are not ready to break out the beaker, I have curated some of my favorite products for you. Below are our recommendations across six use cases, from targeted facial treatment to a full-body nourishing ritual. As always, these products are made in small batches by women-owned brands using organic and plant-based ingredients.
Face: Repair and Elasticity
MILO Everything Oil
Blending organic carrier and essential oils, this concentrated formula is packed with antioxidants that encourage cellular turnover and actively restore the skin's natural protective layer.
- Carrier Oils: A potent blend of 12 carrier oils, including rosehip seed oil, argan oil, and sacha inchi oil, restores and fortifies the skin's natural protective layer.
- Essential Oils: Lavender and coriander seed oil accelerate the skin's healing processes and protect against the free radicals that cause collagen breakdown.
Face: Acne-Prone and Irritated Skin
Blue Tansy & Apricot Oil
For oily, acne-prone skin, the right oils balance oil production while calming inflammation at the source.
- Carrier Oil: Apricot kernel oil delivers feather-light moisture that balances sebum without clogging pores.
- Essential Oil: Blue tansy soothes the redness and inflammation of active breakouts.
Eyes
Under Eye Elixir
The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, and responds well to targeted, concentrated nourishment. This blend is built specifically for that.
- Carrier Oils: Apricot kernel, rosehip seed, and red raspberry seed oils nourish, improve elasticity, and deliver antioxidant protection to this vulnerable area.
- Essential Oils: Frankincense and myrrh support skin regeneration and firming, while geranium and rosemary add toning and circulatory support.
PRO-TIP: Apply at night using the roller ball, pressing lightly with your ring finger. It's your weakest finger and the right amount of pressure for the eye area.
Lips
Lemongrass Mint Organic Lip Balm
Lips have no sebaceous glands and can't moisturize themselves. A blend of certified organic carrier oils delivers lasting nourishment while a plant-based wax seals it in.
- Carrier Oils: Shea butter, coconut oil, and apricot kernel oil work together to soften, nourish, and protect, with apricot kernel's lightweight fatty acids absorbing quickly while shea and coconut provide the occlusive layer that keeps moisture from escaping.
- Essential Oils: Peppermint and lemongrass deliver an instantly refreshing cooling sensation alongside natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Hair
Rosehip Oil for Hair & Skin
Sensitive scalps respond best to simple ingredients. Pure rosehip seed oil delivers without dilution, fragrance, or filler.
- Carrier Oil: Packed with essential fatty acids and pro-vitamin A, rosehip seed oil adds shine, tames frizz, and supports scalp health with concentrated nourishment.
Body
Restorative Body Oil
A layered blend of certified organic carrier oils replenishes moisture, softens texture, and supports the skin's natural resilience, while a targeted essential oil blend adds antioxidant and skin-balancing benefits.
- Carrier Oils: Camellia seed, kukui nut, and fractionated coconut oil, among others, deeply moisturize and soften skin while supporting its natural barrier function.
- Essential Oils: Yuzu, vetiver, sweet orange, and may chang deliver antioxidant and skin-balancing properties alongside a grounding, citrus-forward aromatic experience.
Ready to build a plant-powered skincare routine? Browse our curated collection of essential oil and carrier oil products, formulated for every skin type.
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